Sometimes someone comes into your life, so unexpectedly, takes your heart by surprise and changes your life forever.
-Unknown

A large polished black coach sporting the royal crest on the side waited for me at the docks. It was remarkably easy to spot seeing as it was the biggest coach there and it reeked of royalty. It was also the only coach sporting the royal emblem on the side. The entire coach as a shiny midnight black save for the golden crest. Magnificent black horses drew the coach. They had a rich black mane.

I made a mental note to ask about the breed when I got the chance.

The coach men were garbed in crisp black suits with bright white shirts.

A slightly hunched older man with pasty skin and a younger burly one with a slightly comical face.

'Hello.' I smiled at the older of the two. He grunted in response.

I let my gaze roamed over the citizens as they went about their daily activities at a much slower pace compared to Americans. They seemed to stop to chat or more likely gossip a little at every turn. I wondered how they got anything done.

They probably have their own harmony and balance, I decided. Laurel would kill to see this.

I breathed in the clean country air. No industrial fumes whatsoever. Not that there were any back home or anything.

A smile made it's way to my face as I spotted a baker yelling at a small boy. I guess that's something common to all bakers.

The younger coach man stared at me, his expression quizzical as he picked up my single suitcase. He exchanged a look with the older one who gave a long suffering sigh. I frowned at the gesture. It somehow made me feel like an insolent child and I most definitely did not care for the feeling.

So in the spirit of letting go of my shyness. I levelled him a stare.

'Is anything the matter?' I asked in my most calm and controlled voice.

'No my lady. I'll go get the rest of your luggage.' The older one gave me a tight smile and then I understood.

He was expecting a bratty spoilt American who couldn't even be bothered to do anything whatsoever. One obsessed with vanity.

I gave him a kind smile even I thought it highly unfair that he'd already judged me without even knowing me.

'What's your name?' I asked.

'Robert.' He muttered.

'Robert I don't know what... impression you have of me but I hope you allow yourself to get to know a person before you start judging them and no i don't have any other luggage.' I cocked my head. His eyes widened in shock. The younger one nodded in grudging respect, like he couldn't believe I just did that. Not that blamed him. Even I couldn't believe I just did that.

I couldn't hide the satisfied smile that slid onto my face so I turned and entered the coach.

I basically pressed my face up against the window. I opened the door a little. Just an inch so I could feel the fresh air. I caught bits and pieces of conversations as we drove past. I found their accent alternatively amusing and intriguing. The wind teased my hair from it's pins. I knew it would be an unruly mess by the time we got to the castle but I couldn't care less. It was worth it.

I wanted to see as much of the city as possible. All my weariness from the trip forgotten.

I took in the view. The sprawling hills, quaint cottages and tall trees. A particular cottage caught my eye. It was how I imagined the gingerbread house to be. The wooden walls and dark brown roof. A white curtain was rustling as the wind blew.

A cup of tea and an open book lay on a small table on the porch. One could see the steam emanating from the cup. The rocking chair next to it was rocking slightly like the occupant had only just left.

For some unknown reason, it brought to memory an image of my father whenever he was reading those books of his. He could lose himself totally and completely in a book that he'd be oblivious of anything happening in his surroundings. I'd inherited that ability from him. It came in handy sometimes and other times it was rather annoying.

I breathed in the salty air. For miles after the cottage there was no other house till the castle. Just bushes. Lush green bushes that seemed very much alive. I'd love to wander around the bushes sometime. I could only imagine how it'd look after a rain.

The coach man exchanged a few words with the guard at the gate before he opened it.
The huge iron gates parted to allow us entrance.

The guards at the door saluted. I lifted a hand to wave but almost toppled out of the open door.

I smiled and winked at the guard closest to me when I caught myself. I saw a small reluctant smile snake it's way unto his face.

My eyes widened as I took in the scene. The fence encasing the castle was almost entirely covered in creeping vines. The gates were pulled back to reveal a road wide enough to fit three similar coaches.

Beautiful trees and shrubs lined the road making an arch, sort of.

I reached out hoping too get a flower from one of the trees but it was too far away.

The coach jostled to a sudden halt. I was almost thrown out of the coach.

'Wow. That would be embarrassing if I had an audience.' I laughed lightly and hopped out of the coach.

The coach men came to help me down

I muttered a compliment about their efficiency. The older one grunted in response.

'People don't talk much in England?' I cocked my head.

The face of the younger one broke out in a grin. The older one huffed and walked away.

'Is he like that everyday or is today special?' I smirked.

'You're not what we expected.' He smiled.

'Huh? Oh no don't tell me you were expecting some spoilt ninny?' I laughed.

'Because British girls are more into that than American girls. Wild and selfish hoyden is more our thing.' My eyes twinkled.

'Noted.' He nodded and helped me into the coach.
I looked up at the tall building.

'Wow.' I muttered in awe.

The tall sleek building stood proudly in the air adorned by beautiful flowers on either side.

'This way milady.' A butler gestured.

He was a ruddy, round faced aged man with a well rounded belly and an upturned nose.

I stifled a laugh as an image of him looking down his nose at a poorly dressed chap came to mind.

'Sure.' I faced him with an amazed look on my face. I smiled at the crisp neat uniform.

'Amazing.' I breathed. A wide smile on my face. He faltered as he took in my smile.

I followed him inside gasping and gaping at everything I laid eyes on. The high ceilings had huge glittering chandeliers that seemed to reflect every single ray of light hanging at every five feet.

The shiny marble floor clicked as I walked past. Flowers were artfully arranged in vases along the corridor. The entire hall screamed opulence, elegance and understated beauty.

My eyes widened at the magnificent paintings and intricate tapestries that adorn the walls. Picasso's and  the likes. I could identify most of them on sight.

My mouth was in a perfect 'o'. I barely realized the butler had come to a stop.

I turned around slowly taking in the entire room. Paintings hung on the walls. The light streaming in from the windows somehow enhancing everything. The drapes of a bright red looked very soft. I itched to run my fingers over everything.

'Veronica.' A soft musical voice called.

I turned at the sound of my name. Aunt Elizabeth positively glided into the room, pleasure evident on her features. Mother had shown me her picture a million times.

'You're here. My God. Look at you. All grown up now. And into such a stunning young lady.' She gasped with pleasure.

Where Elizabeth and everyone else saw beautiful flowing blonde almost white hair, Veronica saw a mousy flat springy  grandmotherly hair. Where everyone saw eyes of a special sea green, Veronica saw odd moss coloured eyes. Where everyone saw a full generous figure that fit perfectly and would tempt any man, Veronica saw herself as gawky and underdeveloped.

Her face was sculpted to perfection. She could make any man fall flat on his face with her beauty. A small proud nose with thickly lashed sea green eyes, full pale pink lips that positively begged to be kissed, soft silky  porcelain skin, and a full tall voluptuous figure Veronica was the embodiment of beauty and allure but she was completely unaware of that. The only man she'd loved thought of her along the lines of a sister and to her reasoning, surely if he did that, it was only because she wasn't pretty. Not even enough for him to think of her as a friend rather than an amusing younger sister.

I couldn't resist the brow that shot up at her words. I sank into a deep graceful curtsy. I wasn't so convinced about the beautiful part but I didn't bother to disillusion her.

'Your majesty.' I said.

'My goodness.' She touched a palm to her chest and dabbed her eye.

I smiled at the gesture. My mother did that all the time.

'How is your mother?'

'Same as always. I think. She sends her love.' I smiled.

'Well you'll meet my sons, George and Henry later. Right now I think its best if you go prepare for tonight's ball. I'll see you there.'

'Ball? Right, ball.' I thought I'd get a few days to myself before all the Season's festivities but as it was I was late already so I should've expected this.

She signaled for a maid who appeared out of nowhere to lead me to my room.

'This is the west wing of the castle. All the debutantes are in this wing. The Royal family are in the north. Your maids will be up to prepare your bath and help you get dressed.' She curtsied.

'Okay.' I pushed the door open and gasped.

A big mahogany dresser stood next to the large bed.

A vase full of petunias sat on a small round table. A small desk and chair sat at one corner of the room.

I ran my fingers across everything within reach. A pair of double doors led to a small balcony. The balcony overlooked the garden. Dusk was setting.

Some flowers were closing up while others were just blooming. From up there, the garden seemed to be moving, swaying to the wind. It looked very much alive. Like it was a living breathing thing. I breathed in the fragrance filled air.

I don't know how long I stood there slightly dazed staring at the entrancing garden.

I could see a head, well hair actually whether it was a man or a woman, I couldn't tell. I was sure though that the person hadn't seen me.

The person suddenly looked up to my balcony. I wasn't sure whether he or she could make anything out because it was a little dark out. And the person gave me no reason to believe he had seen me. I decided it was a "he" because the person had to be unusually tall for me to see his head from that distance and a "she" that tall is highly unusual.

Most of his face was shrouded in the dark but I could see the eyes. They some how sparkled in the dark. Probably gray or blue. I'm guessing a very light blue. And skin. It was tan. Very tan. Not something I expected from a nobleman so I guessed he was probably one of the guards or something but he moved with the grace of a nobleman but he had the agility of a man used to a hard days labour. So engrossed I was in my study of the intriguing stranger, I didn't contemplate him seeing me. Until he inclined his head in a mock greeting.

I flushed. I was grateful for the poor lighting. Normally I would have blushed profusely and scurried away but again in the spirit of getting over my shyness, I tipped my head in acknowledgement of his mock greeting.

I whirled around at the click of the door. Three girls in black maid's uniform with a small white apron tied in front stood at the door.

They looked terrified.

Like they were waiting for me to turn into an evil octopus though the middle was trying to look brave and in control.

The sight tugged a reluctant smile out of me as I wondered what English men and women did to servants that made these ones look so terrified.

It occurred to me that it could've been me. With my being American and all, maybe they didn't know what to expect.

I decided to smooth their ruffled feathers. They are more or less in charge of my upkeep.

'Hello.' I said in a smooth soothing tone with an open smile to accompany it.

They sank into a deep curtsy.

'I'm American not royalty. The curtsy isn't necessary.' I laughed.

For a second, they looked just about ready to bolt but then they visibly relaxed when they realized I was joking.

'I'm Veronica. You are?' I provided when neither of them seemed eager to introduce themselves.

Though I was pretty sure according to etiquette it is forbidden to familiarize yourself with 'the help'.

They are people too for heaven's sake.

They blanched for a second but when they looked back at me something that looked a lot like admiration and approval was shining in their eyes.

'I'm Ann. These are Jenny and Mary.' The middle one spoke up. 'We are your maids.'

I was right. She  was a take charge sort of person. One could easily tell she was the head maid. If that's a thing.

'All three of you? I'm just one person. How much trouble do they think I'll be? Don't tell me it's because I'm American?' I joked.

A small smile slid on to Jenny's face. She was by far the prettiest of the three with big expressive blue eyes and an oval face.

'All the debutantes get three maids.' She replied.

I nodded. My gaze roamed over each one.

Ann had a dependable feel to her. It was easy to tell she was the head. She had a stocky but not unflattering build.

Mary was a sturdy yet pretty brunette. In my opinion she has the longest lashes ever. Scanty but long.

I caught a lock of my own white washed hair and wistfully wished I'd been blessed with lovely mahogany curls instead of my odd white one.

'We'll prepare your bath milady.' Ann bowed.

'Okay?' I replied as they all scurried to the bathroom.

My suitcase was lying at the foot of my bed. It occurred to me that I had absolutely nothing appropriate to wear to a ball. I'd only packed a few comfortable day dresses. My suitcase was filled with books mostly and a few keepsakes. Mother said she had arranged for the clothes I needed to be delivered and I didn't give it much or any thought after that. I wasn't overly concerned with fashion and trends. It's not like I knew anything about it. I failed at fashion miserably. I could read Greek, Latin, French, Spanish and Arabic but I could not hold a conversation about the latest trends for two minutes without getting my brain jumbled up.

Pathetic.

Anyway I doubt the clothes have arrived. I only just got here.

I considered not going but then tossed the idea aside. If i was being honest, I was curious to see what an English ball looked like and what went on at one.

A whole lot of dancing I suppose but I still wanted to see for myself.

Besides Aunt Elizabeth invited me herself, indirectly though but I couldn't not attend. It would be rude.

I was toying with the idea of going in one of my day dresses but even I knew for certain they barely passed muster as day dresses and much less as ball gowns when Ann came to fetch me for my bath.

She poured some scented oils into the water which she claimed supposedly helps relax the muscles and ease stress. It smelt a lot like lavender and incense to me.

It was refreshing though. After the bath, I went into my room prepared to my maids that I won't be going.

They weren't comfortable around me. Yet. But they were less frightened of me and with time, I knew we would get there. While I was taking my bath though, I could sense their mounting anxiety and excitement for the ball.

Best to be done with it, I sighed.

'Uh...' I began.

A low knock came from the door. Grateful for the momentary distraction, I headed to open it but Mary cut me off, scuttling to the door like her life depended on it.

Another similarly dressed maid carrying a garment bag walked in. She put the bag on the bed with a an envelope on it.

She and Mary exchanged a few meaningful glances and gestures.
I watched the silent exchange with mild fascination.

I walked over to the bed. The garment bag alone looked extremely costly. I cast a Mary a questioning glance. She nodded a go ahead.

I picked up the envelope. It was made of some kind of soft embossed paper. I opened the note contained inside.

Veronica,

Your wardrobe has not arrived yet. It was schedule to arrive two weeks ago but I got word that the ship ran into some problems and had to dock in Ireland for repairs. The royal seamstress is going to provide you with a suitable wardrobe in the meantime. I hope you like the gown.

Elizabeth.

I smiled.

Problem solved.

I reached for the bag eager to see the dress. Debutantes usually wear pastels and all that. I may not know much about fashion but I doubt pastels are the thing for me. But then again what do I know.

I gasped as the purple coloured gown came into view.

Jenny and Ann helped me into the magnificent dress while Mary brushed my hair till it shone even though I kept telling her it was no use. My hair is white as it is. She held in up in a simple yet elegant chignon, leaving a few tendrils at my ears to frame and soften my face. I had to give her credit. She made my hair not look unruly and springy.

When they finished they were all staring at me with odd expressions on their faces that I started panicking.

'What? What's wrong?' I asked rushing to the mirror.

What I saw made me gasp.

'Amazing.' I mumbled reverently.

The dress fit me like a second skin. It clung to almost every curve and crevice. The neckline was a bit more daring than was my usual style. As if to make up for the neckline, no bit of skin was visible anywhere else. The dress covered everywhere up. It had long fitted tubes for sleeves that ended exactly at my wrists. I wonder how the seamstress calculated that. The top part of the dress clung to my skin. It was lined with tiny white pearls around the high waist from whence it flowed out to the floor in a billowing mass of lavender.

The cuffs and neckline were trimmed with a delicate lilac lace, I couldn't bring myself to touch it for fear of ripping it.

'The dress is a masterpiece.' Jenny chirped before Ann could shush her.

I turned and gave them a smile.

'It is.' I agreed.

'I probably shouldn't wear it. Aunt Elizabeth didn't know what she was doing when she gave it to me. It's probably a mix-up. I can't pull it off anyway.' I said slowly backing away from the mirror.

'It was not. You look stunning.' Mary said.

'You look like my mother. She was very pretty but you are very beautiful.' Jenny said with conviction. Maybe the dress was working some magic and making my face less hideous.

'Aww. Thank you.' I smiled genuinely.

I slipped on the shoes Ann held out for me, bid them good bye and headed downstairs for the ball.

The music and chatter drifted up to me as I descended the stairs.

Was I late? I didn't actually know what time the ball started.

My nerves began to attack as I caught my first glimpse of the ball.

The whole room was lit by detailed glittering chandeliers hanging at every few steps. A few couples were waltzing on the dance floor. If I wasn't so nervous, I'd have noticed how beautiful the room was. It was bathed in a bright  white glow.

I gulped and took a second to steady my nerves as my gaze riveted on the flight of steps you had to walk down to get to the ball while the butler announced your presence.

You can do this Ronnie. Don't forget we're getting over our shyness, I told myself.

'We?' A deep musical voice echoed behind me. I started.

I just said that out loud?

I shivered at the sound and whirled around to meet the chap that caught me in my moment of madness.

'You frightened me.' I gasped.

My eyes rode up slowly. Am I imagining things or is this handsome stranger really in front of me?

He had polished black shoes, perfectly tailored black suit and blindingly white shirt, an artfully knotted necktie, dark perfectly tanned skin, perfectly sculpted face with a strong proud chin, smouldering gray eyes and dark chestnut hair. His lips were currently curled up in a lazy smirk. An aura of virility evident in his every movement even the way he stood carelessly, a shoulder propped against a pillar,  silently contemplating the situation.

Well he already caught me being weird so there's no point denying it.

I smiled ruefully. 'I'm trying to screw up the courage to go in.'

He regarded me speculatively and then he seemed to make up his mind.

'Shall I escort you lady...?'

'Let's make it Ronnie. You are...' I smiled and silently added, you've already seen me being crazy anyway.

'Henry.'

I sighed in relief. He was a mister. He couldn't ruin my debut by turning the ton against me. Mother said they could be very cold and unwelcoming if they found you lacking in the slightest. Hence I have to keep my craziness to myself though I adamantly refuse to pretend to be a bird brain for anyone's comfort.

'I'm guessing you don't get a lot of crazys around here.' I joked.

'Never.' He said with mock gravity.

'Glad I could be your first.' I replied in kind. 'Now if only the ton would decide being mad is suddenly in season, I would do so excellently well.'

He chuckled. It was a low smooth sound that seemed to vibrate from somewhere deep inside that he couldn't remember.

He looked surprised that he'd laughed.

'I almost wish you were a duke or an earl. Then you could convince the ton about madness being the new thing. You could pretend for the night but I doubt you'd convince anyone that you're a duke or any nobleman in fact.' I said.

'Why do you say that?' He asked diligently.

'Well first of all, to be a duke, you need a well rounded belly.' I cast a pointed glance at his virile tall lean and muscular figure. 'You also don't have a quizzing glass. Dukes always wear those. Most of them can see perfectly fine without it though. You also don't have the air of aristocratic privilege.' I concluded.

'What about a prince?'

I stifled the laughter that bubbled up in me.

'I doubt Prince Henry or George would appreciate you stealing their identity for the night.' I stifled a laugh then conspiratorially added, 'we could kidnap him though even if we'll be hanged for treason. But you wouldn't convince anyone you're him though. You'd need blond hair and blue eyes for that.'

'Have you ever seen either of the two?' He asked.

'No. I'm assuming they are blue eyed blondes.' I piped. 'Most noblemen are.'

He chuckled.

'And anyway, you need to be useless, self absorbed and impractical to play the part.' I summed.

He threw his head back and let out a deep musical laughter that echoed in the hall and transformed his face to a boyish handsomeness. I chuckled.

'Have you ever met any nobleman?' He asked, his voice ringing with laughter.

'I've met a duke before. He had his quizzing glass through which he peered at me and my mother's derrière. It was disgusting. He expected us to fawn all over him. He was decidedly stupid. My father threw him out of the house.' I laughed.

He chuckled.

'I should get you to the ball.'

I placed my hand in his proffered arm and did my best to relax as much as I could.

I shot him a grateful smile as we got to the top of the stairs. His presence was making this a lot less daunting.

'Thank you.' I smiled as he took the first step.

The butler's announcement rang loudly as the room quieted.

'His highness, Prince Henry and lady Veronica.'

I stiffened.

Prince? He never told me he was a prince.

Dread creeped up as all the heads turned to watch our descent.

I kept my eyes trained on a portrait above their heads even as I felt dizzy and lightheaded.

I am going to kill him. Slowly and painfully.

Well that's the second chapter. It's kind of long. I hope you guys enjoyed it. Don't forget to vote, comment and share.

Thanks for reading :-)